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You know chronic Lyme disease is real and can significantly derail your
health. But do you know what to do about it?
Borrelia is the bacteria behind chronic Lyme disease. And it can be
challenging to beat if you don’t have the right tools.
Though you may not notice symptoms when you’re initially infected,
it’s a train wreck waiting to happen. When you become overburdened
with other chronic infections, stress, or toxicity, the symptoms of
chronic Lyme disease can surface. (1)
But you can get your health back on track with the help of potent
herbs from nature — including cat’s claw bark, milk thistle seed,
wormwood, and many others. These herbs work together to support
your immune system and detoxification. Plus, they help reduce your
pathogen load.
01 Artemisia
Artemisia annua also goes by the name sweet wormwood. That’s because it’s often used for parasitic worms,
including schistosoma. (4, 5)
The herb is also used for malaria, which is caused by the parasite plasmodium. Plus, sweet wormwood has
antiparasitic activity against Toxoplasma gondii and babesia. The latter is a Lyme coinfection. (4)
Artemisinin is the compound in Artemisia annua that has these antiparasitic effects. It also has powerful actions
against the Lyme bacteria — including cyst forms. The cysts (also called round bodies) are tougher to kill than the
spirochete (spiral) form. (6)
When tested in a lab, artemisinin left only 24% of borrelia cysts alive after one week. In contrast, drugs like
ciprofloxacin and doxycycline were less effective. They left 28–49% of the Lyme cysts alive. (7)
Also, Artemisia annua contains dozens of different antioxidants. You need that defense. Borrelia infection can lead to
a lot of oxidative stress as your immune system fights back. (3, 4)
Astragalus Root 02
The root of Astragalus membranaceus or astragalus is probably best known for its
ability to stimulate your immune system. This is important when you’re fighting an
infection like Lyme disease. (8)
Also remember, Lyme can create a lot of inflammation, oxidative stress, and toxins.
Fortunately, astragalus root could help with each of those challenges. It has anti-
inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver-protective properties. (9)
03 Black Walnut
Green Hulls
The shells of black walnuts — known by scientists as Juglans nigra — are surrounded by a green hull. These hulls are
rich in phytochemicals. That includes ones with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. (14)
A lab study found that extracts of black walnut hulls kill borrelia bacteria. This included the spirochete, cyst, and
biofilm of borrelia. Several other natural compounds and antibiotics failed to kill the cyst and biofilm forms, which
are more resistant. So, that’s pretty impressive for walnut hulls. (15)
An antioxidant and antibacterial compound in black walnut hulls is juglone. This phytochemical also has
antiparasitic and antifungal effects. That includes action against the yeast Candida albicans. (16, 17)
Bucktorn Bark 04
Dried buckthorn bark or Frangula alnus has traditionally been used as a laxative. Good elimination or drainage is vital
for getting rid of toxins, including those generated when you’re killing borrelia. (18)
Phytochemicals — including polyphenols — in buckthorn bark have strong antioxidant activity. This could help
protect your cells from free radical damage. Buckthorn bark also has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal
properties. (18)
Flavonoids and saponins are two classes of polyphenols in buckthorn bark. As mentioned previously, these types of
plant compounds may help disrupt biofilms. This is where harmful bacteria like borrelia commonly hide. (11, 13, 19)
05 Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum or boneset also goes by the nicknames feverwort and
sweating plant. In North America, it’s been used by Native Americans for fevers
and to induce sweating to promote healing. In Europe, the herb is used for
fevers and colds. (20)
Lab and animal studies show that boneset contains plant compounds that are:
(20, 21, 22)
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Antibacterial
Anti-cancer
Anti-malaria
Boneset may also have antiviral effects. In a lab study, boneset extract
inhibited the influenza A virus from attaching to a host cell. That’s important
because Lyme disease dampens your immune defenses. So, herbal support
against seasonal viruses is helpful. (23)
Cat's Claw Bark 06
Uncaria tomentosa is a woody vine that’s native to tropical rainforests. Its common name, “cat’s claw,” comes from
the plant’s claw-like thorns. It’s also known as the “life-giving vine of Peru.” (24)
Phytochemicals in cat’s claw bark may help regulate your immune function, helping it respond appropriately. The
herb also has antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. (25, 26, 27)
Chronic Lyme disease can result in inflammation in your nervous system and joints. Cat’s claw bark may help with
this. When people with rheumatoid arthritis took an extract of cat’s claw for six months, they had a significant
reduction in joint pain, compared to a placebo. (28, 29, 30)
Also, lab tests have found that cat’s claw extracts suppress the production of molecules that generate inflammation.
(27)
07 Cranesbill Root
You may be more familiar with the first part of cranesbill root’s scientific name, Geranium maculatum. In traditional
medicine, various geranium species have been used for coughs, fever, rashes, and diarrhea. (31)
Additionally, some geranium species are effective against certain bacteria, viruses, and protozoan parasites. (31)
Some of the antiparasitic activity of cranesbill root may come from phytochemicals called tannins. Animal research
has found that tannins help fight parasitic roundworms. The tannins may also bolster your resistance to parasites.
(32, 33)
Parasites could play a role in Lyme disease because borrelia bacteria can hide inside parasites. So, you can’t beat
borrelia if you don’t kick out the parasites that harbor it. (34)
The tannins in cranesbill root are also potent antioxidants. Those could have a protective effect as you combat Lyme
disease. (35)
Devil's Claw 08
Harpagophytum procumbens or devil's claw is native to the southern part of Africa. Traditionally, the herb has been
used for pain, allergies, indigestion, and liver and kidney issues. (36)
In some countries, devil’s claw is also commonly used to help with arthritis. As mentioned earlier, Lyme disease can
lead to joint inflammation and pain, especially in your knees. In fact, knee arthritis may occur in up to 90% of people
with Lyme disease. (37)
Human research supports the ability of devil’s claw to help relieve joint pain. When people with arthritis received
devil’s claw extract for two months, they had a 37% drop in scores for knee pain. (36)
So, how might devil’s claw reduce joint inflammation and pain? Lab research suggests that extracts of the herb may
help turn off the genes that promote inflammation. (38)
09 Essiac Blend
It’s believed that the Ojibwa tribe in Canada created this combination of four herbs known as Essiac. It contains
burdock root, Indian rhubarb root, sheep sorrel leaves, and slippery elm bark. Essiac is a popular alternative cancer
therapy. (39)
The Essiac blend may have potent antioxidant effects. One lab study found that it effectively quenched highly
reactive hydroxyl free radicals. Essiac helped prevent free radical damage to cellular DNA. (39)
Furthermore, lab research suggests Essiac may help regulate or normalize immune responses. In other words, it
makes them appropriate for what’s needed. That could be important in Lyme disease, as the condition may lead to
autoimmunity over the long term. (40, 41)
Eleuthero Root 10
Eleuthero root is sometimes called Siberian ginseng. But the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration says it should be called eleuthero because it’s not a true ginseng.
Scientifically, the herb is known as Eleutherococcus senticosus or Acanthopanax
senticosus. (42)
Regardless of what you call it, eleuthero root is a staple in traditional Chinese
medicine (TCM). According to TCM, the herb increases energy, strengthens the
spleen, supports the kidneys, and calms your mind. (43, 44)
Research indicates eleuthero root may help with pain and inflammation, which are
common issues in Lyme disease. Animal and lab studies suggest that
phytochemicals in the herb have anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects. (43)
Eleuthero root may also help get stagnant toxins, such as from borrelia, moving
through your lymphatic system. If your lymphatic system is backed up, you can get
edema or swelling. When healthy women with leg edema took the herb, they had
a significant reduction in swelling within a few hours, compared to the control
group. (45)
Lastly, similar to some other herbs in this list, eleuthero root may have a balancing
effect on your immune system. That helps it respond appropriately. (43)
11 Hawthorn Berry/Leaf
Hawthorn is a shrub known scientifically as Crataegus monogyna or C. laevigata, which is closely related. It’s often
grown for its ruby-red berries, which are made into jam. But this herb offers a lot more than a tasty spread for toast.
(46)
Both hawthorn berries and leaves are rich in phytochemicals, including ones with antioxidant properties. That could
protect your heart. In fact, one of the best-studied uses of the plant is for cardiovascular problems. These include
heart failure, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. (46)
It’s estimated that chronic Lyme disease leads to carditis in up to 10% of cases. That can result in heart palpitations or
the feeling that your heart is beating too fast or hard. It can also cause chest pain and difficulty breathing. (47)
Human studies suggest that hawthorn may help reduce heart palpitations and difficulty breathing. It may also
support blood flow. (48)
Horsetail Plant 12
Equisetum arvense or horsetail is considered one of the oldest species of plants on earth. In Europe, horsetail has a
long history of use for treating inflammatory disorders. Animal research supports this use, including to reduce
arthritis-related inflammation. (49)
Plus, a lab test of horsetail essential oil suggests it has potent antimicrobial properties. The herb oil had strong effects
against all seven harmful bacteria and fungi tested in the study, including Candida albicans. (50)
An animal study suggests horsetail may also have pain-lowering effects. When rodents were given horsetail extract, it
reduced their pain in a dose-dependent manner. In other words, the more of the herbal extract they were given, the
less pain they felt. (51)
13 Japanese
Knotweed Root
Japanese knotweed root is known scientifically as either Fallopia japonica or
Polygonum cuspidatum. It’s considered a troublesome weed in some parts of
Europe, North America, and Australia. But labeling this botanical problematic
overlooks its potent health benefits. (52)
Resveratrol might also help with Lyme disease. Lab tests suggest that
resveratrol helps kill borrelia spirochetes, which are the active form of Lyme
bacteria. The compound also helped kill borrelia in its more resistant cyst form.
(15)
For more than 2,000 years, milk thistle seed has been used to protect the liver. This may be due in part to its anti-
inflammatory and antioxidant properties. (57)
Today, lab and animal studies also indicate that milk thistle seed and silymarin could support liver health. And studies
of people with liver diseases suggest the herb may help reduce liver inflammation and oxidative damage. (57, 58)
Liver protection is important in chronic Lyme disease, which can cause liver inflammation. Babesia — a common
Lyme coinfection and parasite — can also damage your liver. In fact, babesia is one cause of liver failure. (59, 60, 61, 62)
15 Nettle Leaf
Urtica dioica, commonly known as nettle, is popular in herbal medicine worldwide. The leaves are high in nutrients
and phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols. Yet, some people consider the herb a weed. But this “weed” can
actually purify the soil, helping remove heavy metals. (63, 64)
Nettle leaf could also support your health. The phytochemicals in the herb may have anti-inflammatory effects in
your joints. Human studies suggest the herb may help with joint pain in arthritis. As you know, joint pain is often a
problem in Lyme disease. (63, 65)
Additionally, the herb may support your immune system. Animal research suggests that nettle helps fend off
bacterial infections. And lab studies suggest nettle has antimicrobial activity against a variety of harmful bacteria
and candida. (63, 66, 67)
Studies also suggest that nettle may help with seasonal allergies, skin rashes, bladder infections, and an enlarged
prostate. (63, 68)
Pau D'Arco Bark 16
Pau d’arco bark, also known as taheebo, comes from the Tabebuia
impetiginosa tree. This tall tree is adorned with pink flowers and is native to
the tropical rainforests of South America. In traditional medicine, some of the
herb’s uses have included arthritis, fever, and pain. (69)
Lab and animal research supports the use of pau d’arco bark for arthritis.
When rodents were given an extract of the herb, it significantly reduced
arthritis symptoms. It also reduced their blood levels of inflammatory markers.
(70)
Remember, in chronic Lyme disease, inflammation can get stuck in the “on”
position. That can worsen pain, such as in your joints, and may lead to
autoimmune issues.
Animal and lab studies also suggest pau d’arco may help combat some
bacterial and fungal infections. This may be due in part to beta-lapachone and
a related compound called lapachol. These phytochemicals may also help
fight parasites, including leishmania and helminths. (74, 75, 76, 77, 78)
17 Teasel Root
Dipsacus asperoides is commonly known as teasel root. It has traditionally been used for back and knee pain,
liver conditions, and bruises. One way the herb may help is by reducing inflammation. (79)
In a lab study, immune cells called macrophages were exposed to an inflammatory toxin. Teasel root extract
inhibited the macrophages from releasing certain inflammatory compounds. (80)
Lowering inflammation could also help with joint pain, which you know can be a problem in Lyme disease.
Animal research suggests that teasel root may help reduce inflammatory compounds that cause arthritic
joint pain. It may also improve joint health. (81)
Most importantly, teasel root may be directly effective against borrelia spirochetes. In a lab study, scientists
tested a specific teasel root extract from Dipsacus sylvestris (a species closely related to D. asperoides). It
inhibited around 95% of the spirochetes within four days. (15, 82)
Wormwood 18
Artemisia absinthium or wormwood is related to the herb A. annua or sweet wormwood. The latter herb was
covered at the beginning of this blog. A. absinthium smells like sage. It has traditionally been used to help with
digestive disorders. (83)
Research supports wormwood’s ability to relieve gut inflammation. When people with Crohn’s disease took
wormwood alongside their conventional medicine, 80% of them went into remission within six weeks. But only 20%
of people in the placebo group (on standard therapy) achieved remission. (83)
Wormwood may also be a potent tool to help get rid of certain parasites. Remember, parasites can carry borrelia
inside them. If you don’t purge parasites, they could reinfect you with Lyme disease.
Both animal and lab research suggest wormwood extract may be as effective against Hymenolepsi nana — a
common intestinal tapeworm — as the drug praziquantel. Though that drug has a high cure rate for tapeworms,
the critters are developing resistance to it. So, scientists are turning to alternatives like wormwood. (84)
White willow bark contains a compound called salicin, which is similar to aspirin. But the amount of salicin in white
willow bark isn’t enough to account for its pain-reducing qualities. Scientists believe a combination of salicin and
other phytochemicals in the bark helps lower pain. (86)
Lab research shows that white willow bark extract prevents immune cells from releasing inflammatory compounds,
such as when toxins trigger them. (87)
And a one-month study of people with low back pain found the herb helpful. When people took a high-dose of
white willow bark extract, 39% of them had complete relief of their back pain. There was little change in the placebo
group. (88)
Yellow Dock Root 20
Rumex crispus or yellow dock root is used in herbal medicine to promote liver
function and as a laxative. Your liver is vital for detoxification, including toxins
generated in Lyme disease. (89)
Similar to a few other herbs in this list, yellow dock also contains plant compounds
that may be biofilm busters. Breaking up biofilm helps to expose sneaky borrelia
bacteria to your immune system.
Animal studies and lab research also suggest that the nepodin in yellow dock
combats Plasmodium falciparum. That’s a parasite that causes malaria. (91)
21 Turmeric
Curcuma longa, better-known as turmeric, is a popular spice. It’s also known for its health benefits. The
botanical has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These benefits are primarily attributed to
curcumin, a phytochemical in turmeric. (92)
Could curcumin help with the joint pain associated with Lyme disease?
Several human studies confirm turmeric’s benefits in arthritis. They show that turmeric helps reduce joint
pain and improve physical joint function. Blood tests also support this evidence. People who took turmeric
had a drop in inflammatory markers in their blood. (92)
Turmeric may also help you purge parasites. When rodents were given turmeric for four weeks, they had a
49% drop in Schistosoma mansoni worms. These parasites can infect your liver, intestines, and bladder. (93,
94)
The rodent study also found that turmeric helped restore the health of liver cells damaged by the parasitic
worms. Scientists think this is because of turmeric’s potent anti-inflammatory properties. (93)
Get Back on the Rails
Chronic Lyme disease can shift your health off track. But many natural herbs could help
change that.
No less than 21 different botanicals — including wormwood, Japanese knotweed root, and
nettle leaf — could support your journey through Lyme disease.
Each herb offers unique properties and acts synergistically with the others to help:
Lower inflammation
Reduce joint pain
Fight free radical damage
Combat Lyme bacteria
Break up biofilm
Decrease your viral load
Regulate your immune system
Purge parasites
Support detoxification
Are you ready to emerge out of the dark tunnel of chronic Lyme disease like a mighty
steam locomotive? Use these 21 herbs to help. Learn more here.
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